In co-operation with Feinmess Dresden, 3D-Micromac has developed a new concept of a helical drilling optic, using aerostatic bearings instead of the usual mechanical bearings for components subject to continuous movement.
The drilling process is realised by using special optics, which deflect the laser beam by rotary motion to create the desired drilling geometry and size. Deficiencies in the beam profile play a minor role and can even be accounted for during laser processing. This way, high-quality drillings with high aspect ratios can be produced.
The contactless bearing concept promises an essential reduction of friction losses while at same time an increase in guidance accuracies is achieved. This way, highly precise and reproducible laser drilled holes can be generated. Furthermore, the occurring wear and necessary operating energy are decreased, which significantly improves the reliability and life cycle of the drilling optics.
Areas of application include the automotive industry, aerospace engineering and textile industry, in which spinnerets are needed to achieve ever more complex shapes for the production of functional fibres. The new drilling optics will be presented at Laser World of Photonics 2013 in Munich.
